Tom Smothers

Tom Smothers, one half of the renowned comedy and music duo, the Smothers Brothers, passes away at the age of 86.





Tom Smothers, the renowned half of the Smothers Brothers comedy and music duo, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 86 due to an aggressive form of cancer, as confirmed by his family. His demise occurred at his residence in Santa Rosa, California, and was announced by his family and the National Comedy Center on Wednesday.


In a heartfelt statement, Tom's younger brother, Dick Smothers, aged 84, expressed his deep affection for Tom, referring to him as not only a loving older brother but also an exceptional creative partner. Dick expressed his eternal gratitude for the privilege of spending over six decades together with Tom, both on and off the stage. He likened their relationship to a successful marriage, where their love and respect for each other grew stronger over time. Dick concluded by acknowledging the blessings they had received throughout their journey.


Tom and Dick Smothers were never hesitant to utilize their platform to challenge authority during the 1960s, an era characterized by a reluctance to engage in confrontations. Their television show, "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," which premiered in 1967, consistently pushed boundaries by satirizing the powerful and supporting critics of the Vietnam War and advocates for civil rights. However, CBS controversially canceled the show in April 1969 due to its content.


In 2019, during an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of their dismissal, the Smothers Brothers humorously reflected on their significant roles in shaping pop culture history. Tom Smothers expressed his gratitude for the recognition they received, emphasizing the importance of being able to speak for themselves without relying on others. He humorously remarked that they could navigate their way through the occasion in their own unique manner.


Looking back at the termination of their show by CBS in 1969, Dick Smothers acknowledged that despite the backlash, they believed their comedy was relatively harmless. He emphasized the futility of instructing comedians not to say certain words, as they would inevitably defy such restrictions. Dick further reflected on the seemingly innocuous nature of their content at the time, which contrasted with the volatile reactions it provoked.


Even in 2004, Tom Smothers expressed uncertainty about whether American audiences were ready for candid political discussions on prime-time television, considering the prevalence of explicit language and sexual content.

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